Arne Slot will face Tottenham Hotspur for the third time as Liverpool manager when the two sides square off in the second leg of their Carabao Cup tie on Thursday evening.
Prior to losing the first leg 1-0 to Tottenham, Arne Slot and his Liverpool side won 6-3 in north London in the Premier League, a result which could have been even more emphatic in truth.
Now Spurs will travel to Anfield for the first time this season, hoping to protect their slender lead.
In truth, Ange Postecoglou’s side did a good job of stifling Liverpool in the first leg, Spurs’ flat three-man midfield demonstrated a good bit of pragmatism from their manager.
But facing Liverpool on Merseyside is a whole different task, with only three sides stopping them from winning at home this season.
Of course, Tottenham only need to draw, meaning they can retain some hope.
Arne Slot laments ‘big decision’ that went in Tottenham’s favour
That being said, Slot made some interesting comments about Spurs in his match-day programme ahead of his third meeting with them this season.
The Liverpool manager referenced a ‘big decision’ from the first leg which was presumably that Bergvall wasn’t sent off prior to scoring his winner, a wrong he’ll look to put right.
Slot said: “I would like to welcome Ange Postecoglou, his staff and the players and supporters of Tottenham to Anfield.
“It will be the third time our clubs have met already this season so we certainly know each other pretty well.
“I said before the first leg that what happened in our Premier League fixture would have no bearing on that fixture and it gave me no pleasure to be proven right.
“We were disappointed about a big decision that went against us of course, but Spurs showed a reaction on the night and scored a good goal, which leaves us with it all to do tonight because now it is our turn to react.”
Ange Postecoglou’s position as Tottenham manager is still at risk
Gary Neville has provided his Liverpool vs Tottenham score prediction ahead of tonight, a game which is arguably more important for the visitors.
Liverpool obviously want to continue to compete on all fronts, especially given that the quadruple is still in reach.
However, Spurs’ whole season and perhaps even Postecoglou’s future could ride on the game, which is a realistic route to winning a much needed trophy.
Postecoglou admitted that one Tottenham player was tired ahead of the tie, but it is the kind of occasion that should negate fatigue.
A huge tie at Anfield, and an excellent advert for how exciting the Carabao Cup can still be.